Learn to Leverage Data in Leading Criminal Investigations
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) concentration in Crime Analysis provides students with a set of courses that further develops their ability to use and analyze a variety of data sources to inform the investigations, strategies, and policy decisions of criminal justice organizations. This set of skills is crucial to a growing field within law enforcement and related domains in criminal justice. Data-driven and intelligence-led approaches to crime have become the standard among contemporary criminal justice organizations. The concentration prepares students to fill in-house crime analyst roles or similar positions, while strengthening the skills of students working in investigations, management, and operations to utilize analysis more effectively.
Curriculum
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Crime Analysis consists of a total of eight courses (32 units): four required courses and four concentration requirements.
The Boston University online Master of Science in Criminal Justice will provide you with an in-depth examination of crime and justice, including theories, trends, and policies, in fewer than two years of study. Online students pursuing a Concentration in Crime Analysis must satisfy the MS in Criminal Justice core requirements and the concentration requirements.
Required Courses
Concentration Requirements
Dates & Deadlines
View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.
Application Requirements
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
- Benefit from a 24:1 average student-to-instructor ratio
- Study under leading criminal justice faculty with extensive field experience and scholarship in law enforcement, corrections, cybercrime investigation and digital forensics, research and policy, forensic mental health, the judicial system, strategic management, and many other areas.
- Learn through case studies, simulations using real data, and hands-on problem solving to develop practical skills you can immediately apply on the job.
- Launched in 2002, the master’s in Criminal Justice was Boston University’s first online program.
- All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#5 in 2026, and top 6 since 2015
MET’s online master’s degree in criminal justice is ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2026.
#8, Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans
MET’s online master’s degree in criminal justice is ranked #8 in the nation for veterans and active-duty service members by U.S. News & World Report for 2026.
Graduate with Crime Analysis Expertise
In addition to the knowledge gained in the MSCJ core, students who complete the Criminal Justice master’s degree concentration in Crime Analysis will be able to:
- Acquire, clean, integrate, and manage complex public safety datasets (e.g., incident, calls-for-service) for analytical use.
- Apply statistical, spatial, and predictive analytical techniques—including mapping, GIS, and emerging data science tools—to identify crime patterns, trends, risk factors, and actionable insights.
- Produce professional analytical products (e.g., intelligence bulletins, tactical briefings, dashboards, and executive reports) that directly inform investigations, deployment strategies, and policy decisions.
- Evaluate and apply ethical, legal, and governance standards in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of crime and intelligence data within democratic public safety systems.
“As someone who had no experience in the criminal justice field going into this program, I left it feeling very prepared and it definitely paid off. I have been told in several job interviews that my resume is impressive, and that is largely thanks to having Boston University on there. The name carries weight and gives you an edge over other candidates. On top of that, the skills and knowledge you gain really do prepare you for a job in the field.” Read more.
Bella Zak (MET’22)
Contractor, Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
MS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Crime Analysis
Advance Your Career in Criminal Justice
The Crime Analysis concentration of BU MET’s MS in Criminal Justice prepares you to fill in-house crime analyst roles or similar positions, while strengthening the overall skillset of individuals who are involved in investigations, management, and operations.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths in organizations such as:
- Louisiana State Police
- Pennsylvania State Police
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
- Wilmington Police Department
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Capital One
- Roger Williams University
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- United States Army
- Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC)
- United States Department of Justice (DOJ)
- United States Department of State (DOS)
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
